Plastic – it’s everywhere. In our kitchens, in our closets, and yes, it’s even hiding in some of our favorite decor. Convenient? Majorly. Affordable? Definitely. But in just over 100 years, plastic has also brought about a world of baggage that is impossible to ignore – it’s famously clogging our oceans, it’s poisoning our groundwater, and now, terrifyingly, it’s even impossible to find a placenta that doesn’t contain plastic. (Don’t even get me started on recent research in which numerous scientists have discovered a seemingly direct link between the amount of plastic in one’s brain and cognitive decline!)
When you’re bombarded with this information, it’s easy to feel like anything less than a plastic-free life is a failure. But the truth? Even our smallest sustainable product swaps DO make a difference! Corporations are responsible for more than half of the branded plastic pollution out there today, and we can signal our support for more human-friendly businesses and products with our wallets. (Money talks, so they say.)
And boy, HAVE I BEEN SIGNALING! At first, the swaps were easy and obvious: I stopped buying clothing that contained polyester, acrylic, or nylon; I grabbed some glass straws (my favorites); and I discovered that LA is home to a litany of sustainable bulk grocers and supply shops (shoutout to re_grocery – they ship everything from snacks to household cleaners, too!). But after a few months, I struggled to find suggestions for other plastic-free home upgrades – you can only read “try beeswax wrap” and “don’t forget your reusable tote” or “use a shampoo bar” so many times, you know? – so I took it upon myself to replace a few of the more innocuous, less obvious plastic sources in my home. Can I show you a few?
An Upgraded Air Purifier
Move over, Molekule! A new bombshell has entered the villa, and her name is Briiv. She’s fully designed to return to the earth, requires almost no energy, and uses a triple combination of budget-friendly, natural, long-lasting HEPA-like filters to purify the air around you. Added bonus: that’s the newest model above, which has been decked out with all kinds of incredible functionality. My favorite? The ability to add in essential oils, so you can add fragrance without additional waste. Pre-order it from the brand here. (If anyone is interested in a more comprehensive review, I’d love to write one – let me know!)
A Luxe Bidet
Do I already have a Tushy? Yes – and I think it’d be pretty wasteful to throw out a perfectly good bidet, so it’ll still be holding court atop our porcelain throne for the foreseeable future. But man, I wish that I’d seen this Brondell bidet sooner! It’s cheaper (!!!), sleeker, and made solely of metal. One of these bidets is made up of a material that may end up in your blood and bones; the other is made of brass. The choice seems clear, no?
An Upgraded Water Filter
A few weeks ago, I asked if anyone could recommend a plastic-free water filter to replace my Brita. (Spoiler: you all delivered!) I discovered a few great options, but felt most drawn to this sweet pitcher from Invigorated Water and to this heavy-duty Berkey, which can filter and store A LOT of water. (If your style leans a bit more minimalist, you’ll also love the Aarke pitcher. The aesthetics are top-notch, but the filter takes up a lot of real estate and as it turns out, I’m too lazy to refill something that often. C’est la vie!)
And if you’re a homeowner, I’d encourage you to look into Culligan’s whole house filtration or reverse osmosis systems. It’s been 6 years since Em partnered with the brand, but she still opted to install the former system at the Farm and the latter at the River House. They’re worth the investment!
A Cheery Power Strip
This cast aluminum-meets-stainless steel beauty is by Conway Electric, a brand that specializes in punchy, keep-forever electric components that you’ll be proud to display. Their products are made by hand in California, under warranty for 5 years (the average plastic power strip needs to be replaced every 4 years, by comparison), and they’ve worked diligently to craft the safest surge protectors on the market. You can purchase other color or size selections directly from the brand, but be mindful of the extended delivery timeframes.
A Streamlined Carbonator
While a Sodastream is still a great way to reduce single-use plastics, I far prefer the construction – and the 15 different hue and finish options – of the stainless steel Aarke. (PS. I don’t know if I missed the memo on this one, but I didn’t learn until LAST WEEK that the inside of every aluminum can is coated in a thin layer of plastic. If that also gives you pause, it’s time to carbonate at home!)
A Vintage-Meets-Futuristic Keyboard
OH. MY. GOSH. Can more American brands start making these stainless steel keyboards? (Should I start making stainless steel keyboards?!) While they were originally designed for more rugged or industrial use – think military operations or outdoor ATMs – these all-metal keyboards will stand the test of time (and they’ll look good doing it, too). Plug it in via USB to enjoy one of the most satisfying typing experiences of your life, guaranteed. ?
Dried Florals
Hey, uh, have you guys checked in on the dried floral market lately? Because it’s gotten really good. We’re partial to Afloral’s selection of still-green grasses, ferns, and foliage, but there are tons of great deals to be found on Etsy. (I love this seller, who offers a full box of dried wildflowers for only $23. There are some beautiful bouquets and finished crafts in her reviews, if you need some inspiration!)
Sustainable Switch Plates
Let me be clear: I do not want you to throw away every outlet and switch plate cover in your home! But if you’re ever in need of a replacement (or if you’re lucky enough to work on a new build), please consider a plastic-free option. I like this brand for budget-friendly solid brass plates, and I’m also a big fan of these unfinished, paintable wood covers that can easily blend into your wall.
And I mean…since we’re here, can I please plug these custom toggle plates? I’ve long dreamed of dropping $900 on a Forbes & Lomax toggle, but somehow, I still lack the bank balance required. If you’re in the same boat, the alternative above is a great way to get the look for less.
Plastic-Free Frames
Stop! Before you buy the affordable frame of your choice, remember to double-check the construction. I’ve recently eschewed acrylic and plexiglass in favor of solid glass-fronted options. When possible, take a peek at the construction details on the matting and backing, too – these are all little tweaks, but they can add up over time!
Design-Forward Storage
Synthetic plastic wasn’t invented until 1907, and mass production of plastics didn’t take off until the mid-20th century. Do you know what that means? For all of human history, our stuff has been stored in natural materials. Our generation is the exception to the rule…and guys, we’re kind of missing out here.
I’m going to be real: my cloudy and scratched plastic bins and tubs do not bring me joy. You know what does? The cheery pink gridded metal baskets that stash my linens. The vintage wicker trunk that holds my vacuum. The coiled rope bin that holds my cotton balls, and the ceramic container that stashes the rounds. Before you opt for yet another tub, consider a wire basket, wooden bin, collapsible metal underbed storage, or stackable wicker trunk. Our generation also deserves to experience beautiful storage!
Thoughtfully-Crafted Hangers
The next time you need to grab some hangers, forgo the beloved non-slip flocked style for one with wood or metal construction. I like these bamboo hangers from Ikea, which come in just under $1/pop, but I’m dreaming of the day in which I open my closet to find these solid steel German-engineered hangers. They’re the creme de la creme of hangers: space-saving, non-slip, and specially designed to prevent both pant creases and those weird bumps in the shoulder area. They aren’t cheap, but neither is your wardrobe!
Actual Loofahs, From The Earth
UH, HEY – I MISSED THE MEMO HERE. Anyone else? When did you learn that the “luffa” was an actual plant – an edible type of squash that tastes like a mix between cucumber and kiwi – and not just a manmade shower tool? (I’ll go first: it was far more recently than I’d care to admit.)
Treat yourself to a novel experience: scrub yourself down with a sponge that looks like a piece of corn! If you want to get really adventurous, you could even grow your own! (If you prefer a scrub towel, like me, check these out – they’re made from silk, cotton, linen, and lactic acid. I just ordered a few to replace my old Salux towels.)
A Trash Can That Won’t Get Trashed
How many times in my life have I aimlessly purchased a tiny little flimsy plastic trash can? TOO MANY TIMES! But no longer – I finally know better. There are thousands of great options out there at every price point – wire mesh bins from $11; solid wood receptacles from $23; the color-blocked aluminum trash can of my dreams from (gulp…) $150 – you’ll easily be able to score a plastic-free can that works for your space and style, I promise.
But now, I’m curious – do you have any recommendations? Are there any plastic-free products or existence-friendly businesses that we should all know about? Are there any other questions I can help answer or suggestions I could offer? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Here’s to all of us making a change, one step at a time – we’ll get there, slowly but surely. xx
Opening Image Credits: Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Fall 2021 Is All About Comfort, Ease, Affordability, And Gathering Again In Target’s New Big Launch